NEWS
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NYPA Trustees Back Statewide "Stay Cool" Campaign Contacts: June 8, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will again work with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to encourage the purchase of energy-efficiency household appliances during the peak-energy use summer months. At its May 23 meeting, NYPA’s Board of Trustees authorized a contribution of up to $500,000 support of the Stay Cool program, a statewide campaign promoting the use of energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified air-conditioners, and for encouraging consumers to follow simple energy saving tips to help reduce their energy costs. “Under Governor George Pataki’s leadership state agencies have combined efforts to implement comprehensive energy demand reduction initiatives,” said Timothy S. Carey, NYPA president and chief executive officer. “These efforts are most important during the warm weather months when energy demand peaks. Through the Stay Cool campaign, homeowners are making the switch to energy-saving room air-conditioners and in the process have helped moderate the demand for more energy.” Since the program’s inception in the summer 2001, the number of ENERGY STAR qualified air-conditioners sold in New York State, compared to non-Energy Star units, has doubled. By the end of 2005, more than 50 percent of the roughly 1.million air conditioners sold in New York State each year have carried the ENERGY STAR label. Retailers who partner with NYSERDA and NYPA on this program report that over 70 percent of room air conditioners sold in their stores are ENERGY STAR qualified. In addition, consumers have turned in more than 260,000 old, inefficient room air conditioners through the program. NYSERDA ‘s president and chief executive officer Peter R. Smith said,” We are pleased to partner with NYPA in this important summer initiative. For the last five years, we have helped influence the marketplace toward greater efficiency and increased the stock and sale of ENERGY STAR labeled room air conditioners. ENERGY STAR air conditioners are good for the environment and good for consumer pocketbooks.” New York State Public Service Chairman, William M. Flynn said, "I'm delighted to be joining NYPA and NYSERDA for the 'Stay Cool' campaign this summer. During this campaign, consumers can learn more about New York's summer electric needs and the steps being taken to ensure the reliability of the electric system. Consumers can do their part by purchasing only energy-efficient ENERGY STAR air-conditioners and appliances. While consumers can save up to 30% on their electric bills by using energy- efficient ENERGY Star appliances, they will also be helping to lower the demand for electricity during peak periods this summer.” The other component of the Stay Cool initiative, “Have an Energy Smart Summer” is an educational campaign providing homeowners with a number of useful suggestions to lower their individual energy bills such as using programmable thermostats, operating washers and driers after 8 p.m., using ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs, turning off lights when rooms are unoccupied and planting shade trees near homes to reduce cooling loads. These tips and more, along with lists of retailers selling ENERGY STAR room air conditioners, can be found at www.GetEnergySmart.org. About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. |
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